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India Gazette
30-05-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Tamil Nadu rising to global level in field of sports, announces Mini Stadia in all 234 constituencies
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], May 30 (ANI): The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, MK Stalin, is actively promoting the pioneering initiatives of the Youth Welfare and Sports Development Department. These initiatives aim to engage youth in constructive activities, direct their diverse energy towards development, and mould them into mentally strong individuals who face the future with confidence, said a statement from DIPR. In this regard, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin is placing particular emphasis on youth welfare and sports development, implementing various new schemes. As a result, the Youth Welfare and Sports Development Department of the Tamil Nadu government has accomplished numerous feats at the national and international levels, enhancing Chennai's reputation as the sports capital of India, added the statement. The highly esteemed 44th Chess Olympiad was conducted for the first time in India's history at Mamallapuram, thanks to CM Stalin's meticulous planning. This event was organised through the collaborative efforts of the Dravidian Model Government, the Tamil Nadu Government, and the All-India Chess Federation, with an estimated expenditure of Rs 114 crore. The Chess Olympiad was successfully conducted from July 28 to August 10, 2022, to the appreciation of nations worldwide. A total of 1,654 chess players from 186 countries participated, and they expressed their astonishment and appreciation for the exceptional hospitality extended by the Tamil Nadu Government, a level of warmth they had not encountered in any other nation. Consequently, Chennai has begun to emerge as a prominent power on the global sporting stage. In recognition of his contributions, CM Stalin was honoured with the 'Man of the Year' award from the Asian Chess Federation in the United Arab Emirates. CM gave significant attention to the successful organization of India's inaugural night-time Formula-4 car race, held in Chennai in August - September 2024. This ground-breaking event witnessed the participation 40 drivers from 15 different countries, who competed on a gruelling 3.7-kilometer circuit. This event marked a historic moment in motorsports, bringing immense pride to India and Tamil Nadu globally. CM Stalin directed the government to provide Rs 5 crore in financial assistance to the Tamil Nadu Tennis Association to successfully conduct the WTA Chennai Open 2022. With this assistance, the WTA Chennai Open 2022 was successfully hosted in Chennai, and the Chief Minister personally presented prizes and lauded the winning players, said the statement from DIPR As part of the Dravidian Model Government's steadfast interest in developing various sports in a comprehensive manner in Tamil Nadu, the Squash World Cup 2023 was successfully held in Chennai. The Dravidian Model Government provided financial assistance of Rs 22.66 crores, which was used to successfully conduct the 7th Asian Men's Hockey Champions Trophy 2023 in Chennai after a 16-year gap. Notably, this tournament was played on the world's first Polygras Paris GT Ecoturf. Due to the efforts undertaken by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, the 6th Khelo India Youth Games 2023 was successfully conducted across the four regions of Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, and Coimbatore. Over 5,630 sportspersons from 36 states and Union Territories participated and excelled in the games. In this highly successful competition, Tamil Nadu achieved a historic feat by securing the 2nd place in the overall medal tally with 38 gold, 21 silver, and 39 bronze medals. Prior to this, in the 5th Khelo India Youth Games 2022, 288 sportspersons from Tamil Nadu had participated, and Tamil Nadu secured the 8th position with 52 medals. Chennai hosted India's first-ever World Surfing League QS 3000 event held against the stunning backdrop of Mamallapuram's picturesque shores. The Government had provided financial assistance to the tune of Rs 2.68 crore towards the successful conduct of the event. The Chief Minister's Trophy Games is a landmark event of the Youth Welfare and Sports Development Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu. The 2023 edition of the games, comprising 15 different disciplines, was conducted across all districts in 2023 at a total cost of Rs 50.86 crore. 3.76 lakh sportspersons participated in the district and state-level games. In the 2024 edition of the games, due to the concerted efforts of the Deputy Chief Minister, the number of participants has more than doubled to 11.56 lakh. Notably, the total prize pool for the games was increased to Rs 37 crore. With the aim of fulfilling the needs of talented sportspersons and giving wings to their dreams, the Tamil Nadu Champions Foundation was launched as a pioneering initiative by the Hon'ble Tamil Nadu Chief Minister on May 8, 2023. Under the Foundation, financial assistance worth approximately Rs 17 crore has been provided to nearly 700 sportspersons thus far. The beneficiaries of the Foundation have participated in numerous national and international competitions and brought fame to Tamil Nadu by winning more than 200 medals. Dy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin announced in the Legislative Assembly that Chief Minister's Mini Stadia will be established in all 234 Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu. Consequently, works are being implemented in multiple phases to setup Chief Minister's Mini Stadia at a cost of Rs 3 crore each, with facilities for 5 popular key sports such as athletics, football, basketball, volleyball, and kabaddi. Currently, construction of the Chief Minister's Mini Stadia is in progress across 75 Assembly constituencies. MK Stalin has honoured 4,617 sportspersons, including para-athletes, who have brought laurels to Tamil Nadu by winning medals in international and national level sports competitions, by providing a high cash incentive totalling Rs 152.52 crore, an amount unprecedented by any previous government. The assistance for sportspersons under the ELITE Scheme has been increased from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 30 lakh. During the Budget Session 2023-24, Deputy Chief Minister announced on the floor of the Assembly that Dr Kalaignar Sports Kit would be provided to all the rural panchayats of Tamil Nadu to commemorate the centenary celebrations of Muthamizh Arignar Kalaignar. Under the Dr Kalaignar Sports Kit Scheme, sports equipment has been provided to all Panchayats to encourage the sporting talents of rural youth and enhance their training capabilities. Accordingly, since the launch of this scheme in Madurai district on February 18, 2024, 16,798 sports equipment kits have been provided to all 12,525 Village Panchayats at a cost of Rs 86 crore. Following this, Sports Kits have been being slated to be provided to all urban local bodies under the Dr. Kalaignar Sports Equipment Scheme with an allocation of Rs 100 crore. As a result of successfully hosting various international competitions in Tamil Nadu and various other pioneering initatives, the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu has been recognized as the 'Best State for Promoting Sports' by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Further, Tamil Nadu was honored as the 'Best State for Promoting Sports' at the Hindu Sportstar Aces Awards. The Dravidian Model Government's encouragement for contemporary development in sports development has been acknowledged at the GEM Awards 2025 by bestowing the state with 'Best State Promoting e-Sports' Award. The youngest World Chess Champion, D Gukesh, has received the Major Dhyanchand Khel Ratna Award for 2024. Four Tamil Nadu sportspersons have received the Arjuna Award for 2024. In the 38th National Games, Tamil Nadu achieved 6th place with 26 gold, 31 silver, and 35 bronze medals. In the last 4 years, the Chief Minister's State Youth Award has been presented to 10 men and 8 women for their excellent social service. This award includes a medal, a certificate of appreciation, and a cash prize of Rs 1,00,000. Various development works are being undertaken to further strengthen the infrastructure of sports facilities under the Dravidian Model Government. The various sports infrastructure facilities across Tamil Nadu are being upgraded at a total cost of Rs 26.30 crore. A multipurpose sports arena with a training center is being established at Radhapuram, Nellai district, at a cost of Rs 14.77 crore. 104 sportspersons including para sportspersons who have won medals in various international competitions have been appointed in various government departments and Public Sector Undertakings. The pension provided to indigent sportspersons has increased from 3,000 to Rs 6,000, benefiting a total of 74 indigent sportspersons. The Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu is actively engaged in measures to springboard talented sportspersons to bring laurels to the state and the country in various national and international competitions. To achieve this noble objective, an Olympic Academy was recently established in Chennai. Further, works are underway to establish Olympic Academies in Trichy, Madurai, and the Nilgiris. With regard to coaching, 76 coaches, 4 Foreign Coaches, 5 Expert Coaches, and 2 Para Expert Coaches have been appointed to provide high-quality training to sportspersons. The Mission International Medal Scheme (MIMS) was introduced to nurture sporting talents to win medals at the international level. Under this scheme, financial assistance for sportspersons has been increased from Rs 10.00 lakh to Rs 12.00 lakh, benefiting 71 beneficiaries. Thus, through the tireless efforts of Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, Tamil Nadu is emerging as the sporting capital of the Indian subcontinent, said the statement from DIPR. (ANI)
Indian Express
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
No order to cover ‘Manipur' on bus, Chief Secretary says panel will inquire
In an attempt to put the row over covering of the word 'Manipur' on a state transport bus to rest, state Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh Thursday expressed regret over the incident and announced an inquiry into it. Making it clear that there was 'no instructions' to cover the word 'Manipur', Singh, who was addressing mediapersons in Imphal along with Kuldeip Singh, Security Adviser to Manipur government, said, 'The state administration has taken the reported untoward incident with utmost seriousness and the incident is deeply regretted… The state will also ensure that such an incident does not occur in future.' Chief Secretary Singh said that Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has constituted an inquiry committee comprising the Commissioner (Home) and the Secretary IT which will submit its report in a time-bound manner. Emphasising that the state administration was 'committed to the integrity of the state of Manipur', he assured that after the report is submitted 'and those responsible for the lapses, if any, are identified, strict action would be taken'. On May 20, security forces allegedly stopped a state-run bus, carrying journalists to cover the Shirui Lily festival in Ukhrul district, near the Gwaltabi checkpost and forced Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) staffers to cover the state's name written on the windshield with a white paper. In the Valley, this was seen as an insult to the state which led to widespread protest. According to Singh, there was 'no instructions whatsoever or even remote thought of covering the name of the state'. 'This has been amply clarified by the state government as well as by the responsible political leadership. What transpired on the ground, would be revealed after a thorough inquiry only,' Singh said. Amid massive protests, Governor Bhalla, who was returning from Delhi after a meeting, was taken in a chopper to Raj Bhavan from the Imphal airport on Monday. Congress state president K Meghachandra Singh has said the incident showed the failure of President's Rule in the state. Chief Secretary Singh also said that the festival was organised 'as part of normalcy-restoration process' and it attracted about 1.7 lakh people. 'People of all communities travelled with families from valley areas and other parts of the state as well as from outside the state, to Ukhrul to attend the festival as the state administration provided foolproof security and safe environment for festive activities. However, one unfortunate incident on 20th of May 2025, when a Manipur State Road Transport Bus ferrying journalists to the Shirui Festival was stopped and the name of the state was reportedly covered, has drawn wide criticism,' he said.
NDTV
27-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
'Submitted Documents On Illegal Immigrants': Manipur Ex Chief Minister After Meeting Governor
Imphal: Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Tuesday said he discussed the prevailing situation in the state with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and asked him to invite the protesters for talks to resolve the Gwaltabi incident. Over the last week, protests over the Gwaltabi incident have been going on in the Meitei-dominant Imphal valley. It was alleged that security forces stopped a state-run bus, in which journalists were being taken by the government to cover the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul district on May 20, near the Gwaltabi checkpost and forced the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) staffers to cover the state's name written on the windshield with a white paper. "Today I met governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla. I discussed with him regarding the prevailing situation in the state and suggested some points. He listened and said necessary actions will be initiated to resolve the crisis by inviting the protesters. I hope so," Mr Singh said at a late-night press conference. Mr Singh said he also apprised the Governor about the issues of internally displaced people (IDP) staying in relief camps. "I apprised him (Governor) about the issues of IDPs who are staying in relief camps as well as the sufferings of the valley people due to the non-opening of national highways. People are not able to travel by road and I apprised him of that," he said. "I also urged him to disarm all those miscreants who are in possession of illegal arms. Only then, we can proceed for peace." The former chief minister said the purpose of the meeting included showing appreciation to the Ministry of Home Affairs for setting a 30-day deadline to identify illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar. "Today's main purpose of the visit was in appreciation of the Ministry of Home Affairs for setting a deadline of 30 days to identify illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar... I also submitted all documents which were started in 2021 during which several illegal immigrants were identified under the leadership of then minister Letpao Haokip, who was the chairman of a sub-committee to look into the matter," Mr Singh said. "We had a detailed discussion on a range of pressing issues concerning the state, including issues regarding the Gwaltabi incident and to resolve the tensions arising from it," he said in a post on X. Called on Hon'ble Governor, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, at Raj Bhavan today. We had a detailed discussion on a range of pressing issues concerning the State, including issues regarding the Gwaltabi incident and to resolve the tensions arising from it. We also had a talk on the... — N. Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) May 27, 2025 "We also had a talk on the initiatives taken under the BJP-led government in line with the Ministry of Home Affairs' 30-day directive- from biometric registration and verification drives to deportation of undocumented foreign nationals... I requested the Governor to seek an extension of the 30-day deadline issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. These measures are vital for ensuring national security and preserving Manipur's cultural fabric," the former chief minister added. Since May 2023, more than 260 people have been killed and thousands have been internally displaced in ethnic violence between the Meitei community and the Kuki tribes, who are dominant in some hill areas of Manipur. The Centre imposed President's rule in the state on February 13 after Mr Singh resigned as chief minister. The assembly, which has a tenure till 2027, has been put under suspended animation.
The Print
27-05-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Former Manipur CM N Biren Singh discusses prevailing situation in state with governor
It was alleged that security forces had stopped a state-run bus, on which journalists were being taken by the government to cover the Shirui Lily festival in Ukhrul district on May 20, near the Gwaltabi checkpost and forced the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) staffers to cover the state's name written on the windshield with a white paper. Over the last week, protests over the Gwaltabi incident have rocked the Meitei-inhabited Imphal Valley. Imphal, May 27 (PTI) Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Tuesday said that he discussed the prevailing situation in the state with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and urged him to invite the protesters for talks to resolve the Gwaltabi incident. Addressing a late-night press conference, Singh said, 'Today I meet governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla. I discussed with him regarding the prevailing situation in the state and suggested some points. He listened and necessary actions will be initiated to resolve the present crisis by inviting the protesters. I hope so.' Singh said he also apprised the governor about the issues of internally displaced people (IDP) staying in relief camps. 'I also apprised him (governor) about the issues of IDPs who are staying in relief camps as well as the sufferings of the valley people due to the non-opening of national highways. People are not able to travel by road and I apprised him of that,' he said. 'I also urged him to disarm all those miscreants who are in possession of illegal arms. Only then, we can proceed for peace,' Singh said. The former CM said that the purpose of the meeting included showing appreciation to the Ministry of Home Affairs for setting 30-day deadline to identify illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar. 'Today's main purpose of visit was to appreciate the Ministry of Home Affairs for setting a deadline of 30 days to identify illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar… I also submitted all documents which were started in 2021 during which several illegal immigrants were identified under the leadership of then minister Letpao Haokip, who was the chairman of a sub-committee to look into the matter,' Singh said. Later in a post on X, Singh said, 'We had a detailed discussion on a range of pressing issues concerning the state, including issues regarding the Gwaltabi incident and to resolve the tensions arising from it.' 'We also had a talk on the initiatives taken under the BJP-led government in line with the Ministry of Home Affairs' 30-day directive- from biometric registration and verification drives to deportation of undocumented foreign nationals… I requested the Governor to seek an extension of the 30-day deadline issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. These measures are vital for ensuring national security and preserving Manipur's cultural fabric,' Singh added. More than 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups, who are the majority in the hill areas, since May 2023. The Centre imposed the President's rule in the state on February 13 after N Biren Singh resigned as chief minister. The assembly, which has tenure till 2027, has been put under suspended animation. PTI COR RG This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
48-hour bandh in Manipur: Businesses, offices, educational institutions shut over bus name controversy - All you need to know
48-hour bandh in Manipur. NEW DELHI: Normal life in the Valley's five districts was disrupted for the second consecutive day on Friday due to a 48-hour state-wide bandh called by COCOMI, a Meitei organisation, protesting the removal of the state's name from a government bus. Business establishments, government offices, private offices, educational institutions remained shut, whilst public transport services were suspended. Private vehicles were restricted, with exceptions made for medical emergencies and those travelling to the Shirui Lily festival in Ukhrul district. In Bishnupur and Thoubal districts, women bandh supporters intercepted central security force vehicles and affixed 'Manipur/Kangleipak' to their windshields. Kangleipak refers to Manipur's historical name. Early Friday, bandh supporters instructed roadside vegetable vendors at Andro Parking, Kongba and Khurai areas in Imphal East district to cease operations. The bandh was also enforced in Uripok, Singjamei and Kwakeithel in Imphal West district. Thursday night witnessed a 2-kilometre torch rally with participants chanting "Manipur cannot be obliterated." Strategic locations leading to the Raj Bhavan are under central forces' surveillance. The state government initiated an investigation on Wednesday regarding allegations that security personnel compelled covering of the state's name on a bus transporting journalists to the Shirui Lily festival. Reports indicate that security forces halted a state-operated bus carrying journalists to the Ukhrul district tourism festival on Tuesday, compelling DIPR staff to obscure the state's name on the windscreen with white paper. A two-member inquiry committee was established to "examine facts and circumstances involving security personnel and Manipur State Road Transport Bus carrying media persons to cover the Manipur Shirui festival on May 20 near Gwaltabi checkpost", per home department orders. The directive stated: "The committee shall investigate any lapses and recommend preventive measures for similar future situations." Commissioners N Ashok Kumar and secretary Th Kirankumar Singh comprise the committee, tasked to submit findings within 15 days. COCOMI launched a 48-hour general strike from Wednesday midnight, demanding governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla's apology and resignations from Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, DGP Rajiv Singh and Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh. COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba stated: "The decision to have Manipur removed from a state bus itself is anti-Manipur, absolutely challenges the idea of Manipur and its historical and cultural identity." He added: "The people of Manipur demand to know under whose authority the decision was taken. It should be clarified to the public within 48 hours." The Shirui Lily festival resumes after two years in the state. After N Biren Singh's resignation as chief minister, Manipur is now under President's rule after violent clashes between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
